It's possible to do zero to CPL/IR for around £70k - £80k, but it takes some careful planning and research. You're unlikely to get any financial help unless you're young (under 25, typically) and even then, there's not a lot around.
There is no waiting list for IRs currently - you can get on a JAA ME course within a month or 2, if you have the cash and hours ready to go.
There don't seem to be any co-jo offshore jobs around at the moment, although that may change in the next 12 - 18 months. There appear to be even fewer low-hour jobs around generally than usual. If you do go ahead with pilot training, I strongly suggest having some other career or source of income to live off until you get your first pilot job; this goes double if you're planning to fund any part of your training with a loan.